A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of the man killed in last week’s fiery crash at the Douglas border crossing in South Surrey.
According to a statement released Wednesday by officials with Port Moody Pacific Grace MB Church, Rev. Tom Cheung died in the “very tragic accident” May 2.
Cheung – described as “a kind, compassionate and humble individual who loved people and always willing to help others” – was lead pastor at the church and a father of three, the statement notes.
“This tragedy brutally took away Tom from the family he dearly loved and has dreadfully impacted on the family.”
Emergency crews responded to the border at approximately 11:30 a.m. May 2, after a Porsche Cayenne SUV collided with a Toyota Sienna van in the northbound lanes of the approach to the Canada Border Services Agency booths.
READ MORE: UPDATE: One man dead after fiery crash at Peace Arch border crossing
The impact sent both vehicles into a garden area located in the median between the north- and southbound lanes, where the van then burst into flames.
Witnesses reported hearing several explosions; a Washington State man was arrested at the scene.
Police, border authorities and the BC Coroners’ Service continue to investigate.
The GoFundMe campaign – which, with a goal of $100,000, had raised nearly $75,000 by Thursday morning (May 9) – was launched to support Cheung’s family “for their basic living and education expenses.”
“The tragic loss has brought unimaginable devastation to the family,” an explanation on the campaign page states.
“Tom was the main provider for the family.”
Cheung is described on the site as a loving husband and father; a pastor with “lots of love and patience to many.”
“He was a man who loved God and His Word dearly.
“Many lives are blessed, transformed, and renewed through Tom and (wife) Athens’ ministries. Despite many challenges and difficulties, he remained faithful, obedience, and continued helping people and leading people to Christ.”
According to the church statement, he immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1996 and lived in Richmond for many years.
Cheung is survived by his wife and three children, the youngest of whom is 12 years old.
